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Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Learn about the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster.
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The Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Cluster® focuses on the essential elements of life—food, water, land and air. This career cluster includes a diverse spectrum of occupations, ranging from farmer, rancher and veterinarian to geologist, land conservationist and florist. It also includes non-traditional agriculture occupations like wind energy, solar energy, oil and gas production.
Programs of study
Expand AllAnimal Science
The Animal Science program of study focuses on the science, research and business of animals and other living organisms. It teaches students how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of animals and wildlife, either in laboratories or in the field, which could include a veterinary office, a farm or ranch, or any outdoor area harboring animal life. Students may also research and analyze the growth and destruction of species and research or diagnose diseases and injuries of animals.
Course pathway
| Level | Campus pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8A100 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources |
8A100 |
| 2 |
8A110S 8A230S |
8A110S 8A230S 8A220 |
| 3 |
8A220 |
8A940 |
| 4 |
8A410 8A320 |
8A950 Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeders | $39,135 | 28 | 9% |
| Animal Scientists | $57,533 | 22 | 12% |
| Medical Scientists | $63,898 | 435 | 27% |
| Veterinarians | $93,496 | 294 | 24% |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $67,309 | 45 | 32% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| High School Dual Credit/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at some GISD campuses
***Offered at the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Texas FFA
Work-based learning activities
- Participate in an Agri-Science Fair
- Participate in 4H
- Volunteer at a local farm or veterinary office
- FFA-supervised agriculture experience (SAE)
Applied Agricultural Engineering
The Applied Agricultural Engineering program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with applying knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing agricultural products. This program of study may also include exploration into diagnosing, repairing, or overhauling farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Course pathway
Note: This program of study is only available at Garland HS (GHS).
| Level | GHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8A100 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources |
| 2 |
8A200 8A360 |
| 3 |
8A210 |
| 4 |
8A320 |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics | $32,406 | 366 | 16% |
| Welders | $41,350 | 6,171 | 9% |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | $39,915 | 304 | 17% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics | $47,299 | 1,627 | 16% |
| Agricultural Engineers | $64,792 | 9 | 13% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS Dual Credit/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at GISD campuses
***Offered at the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Texas FFA
Work-based learning activities
- Participate in an Agri-Science Fair
- Participate in 4H
- Volunteer at a local farm or veterinary office
- FFA-supervised agriculture experience (SAE)
Plant Science
The Plant Science program of study focuses on the science, research, and business of plants and other living organisms. It teaches students how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of plants and vegetation, either in laboratories or in the field.
Course pathway
Note: This program of study is only available at Naaman Forest HS (NFHS).
| Level | NFHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 |
8A100 8A170 |
| 2 |
8A130S 8A140S 8A270 8A160 |
| 3 |
8A240 8A418 |
| 4 |
8A320 |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $54,662 | 116 | 21% |
| Tree Trimmers and Pruners | $32,240 | 589 | 14% |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators | $36,733 | 196 | 22% |
| Landscaping Supervisors | $44,408 | 807 | 19% |
| Biological Technicians | $42,931 | 452 | 17% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
**Added and offered at NFHS
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Texas FFA
Work-based learning activities
- Work part-time at a florist
- Start or work for a local landscaping business
- FFA-supervised agriculture experience (SAE)
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Business & Industry
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
Contact us
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